Honda believes it has found an important solution to the problems that affected its power unit at the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season. After a difficult start alongside Aston Martin, the Japanese manufacturer arrives at the Canadian GP optimistic about the progress made in Miami.
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This partnership between Aston Martin and Honda has not yet delivered the expected performance since switching from Mercedes engines for 2026. In addition to the lack of competitiveness, the Japanese power unit suffered from vibration problems that compromised reliability in the early stages of the championship.
Despite the difficulties, the team achieved its first result with both cars crossing the finish line this season in Miami. According to Shintaro Orihara, general manager of track operations at Honda Racing Corporation, the event in the United States was important to validate technical improvements implemented in the package.
“At the Miami GP we confirmed improvements in battery vibrations and also in the overall reliability of the power unit,” Orihara said. The executive also highlighted that the race served to expand learning about energy management within the technical rules introduced for 2026.
Now, Honda intends to focus its efforts on improving the drivability of the AMR26 for Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll in Canada. The manufacturer’s expectation is to increase the drivers’ confidence, especially in corner entries and acceleration phases.
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“In Montreal, which is Lance’s home race, we will focus on improving drivability and our energy management strategy to give the drivers more confidence. If we can provide more confidence to enter corners faster and carry more speed, then we will unlock lap time,” he added.
The executive also highlighted the importance of the Sprint format for the teams’ work throughout the Canadian weekend. With only one TL1 session before competitive activities, Honda considers it essential to optimize every available minute on track.
Furthermore, Orihara recalled that the Canadian circuit presents specific challenges for power unit management: “The layout has a long straight, so it is vital to adjust the energy delivery in that part of the lap,” he said. He also pointed out the low temperatures, possibility of rain, and the precision of the MGU-K delivery as decisive factors to ensure grip and improve the drivability of Aston Martin cars at the Canadian GP.
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